P0123

Circuit Description

The Throttle Position (TP) sensor circuit provides a voltage signal that changes relative to throttle blade angle. The signal voltage will vary from below 1.0 volts at closed throttle to above 4.0 volts at Wide Open Throttle (WOT).

If the PCM detects an excessively high TP Sensor voltage, DTC P0123 will be set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is on.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

^ TP sensor signal voltage is greater than 4.9 volts.
^ The above conditions present for more than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

^ The PCM will illuminate the MIL during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and failed.
^ If equipped with traction control, the PCM will command the Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module (EBTCM) via the serial data circuit to turn OFF traction control, and the EBTCM will illuminate the TRACTION OFF lamp.
^ The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Fail Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

^ The PCM will turn the MIL OFF during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.
^ The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
^ The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

Faulty TP sensor: With the key on, engine off, observe the TP sensor display on the scan tool while slowly depressing the accelerator to wide open throttle. If a voltage over 4.90 volts is seen at any point in normal accelerator travel, replace the TP sensor.

Important: Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.

^ Poor terminal connection.
Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Diagrams.
^ Damaged harness.
Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the sensor display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the sensor display may indicate the location of the fault.
^ Inspect the PCM and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections.

If the DTC is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Fail Records can be useful in determining when the DTC was last set.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table:

7. Components that share the TP sensor 5 Volt Reference A circuit include the following devices, TP sensor, MAP sensor, EGR valve.
Disconnect these components one at a time while observing the TP sensor display on the scan tool. If the reading changes drastically when one of these components is disconnected, replace the component that affected the reading.
11. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.